David Mekeel: End of Reading corruption case coming slowly

Each morning when I get to work, shortly after I plop down on my chair and turn on my computer, I do the same thing.

I pull up a web browser and head off to the federal court system's website. I click here, click there and eventually start typing names into a search bar.

And for weeks and even months at a time, it's fruitless.

Back in July, I covered the two-week federal corruption trial of former Reading Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer, who was found guilty on 11 counts for his part in a pay-to-play scheme. During the trial, a host of others also charged in the scheme testified against him.

And in case you think we've forgotten about them, I want to let you know we haven't. The wheels of justice turn awfully slowly sometimes, and we're still waiting for updates.

I've been checking up on the others charged in the scheme since Spencer's trial ended, as well as on the status of Spencer, who has yet to be sentenced. Since things have been pretty quiet on those fronts lately, I thought it would be a good time for a refresher on where everything stands.

Spencer's sentencing, first set for Jan. 10 before being delayed, is set for March 15. He is facing a maximum of 35 years in federal prison and $750,000 in fines.

His attorney, Geoffrey R. Johnson, filed a motion for acquittal following the trial that seeks to throw out the jury's verdict on several of the counts. A decision on that motion is pending.

Johnson made a similar motion during the trial that the judge denied.

Former Reading School Board president and district judge candidate Rebecca Acosta reported to federal prison Feb. 4. She pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to solicit a bribe and was sentenced to 18 months behind bars.

Sentencing dates for three others were postponed and new dates have not yet been set.

Matthew McTish, an engineer with McTish, Kunkel & Associates, Mark Neisser of T&M Associates, and Eron Lloyd, Spencer's former special assistant, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

The pay-to-play scheme centered around Spencer's mayoral re-election campaign. He was found guilty of trading preferential treatment in obtaining city engineering contracts for campaign contributions.

Spencer also paid a bribe to former City Council President Francis G. Acosta, Rebecca's husband, in an attempt to get rid of city campaign contribution limits. The bribe was for Rebecca Acosta's failed campaign for district judge.